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Colorfastness is an essential property of fabrics that refers to the ability of a material to maintain its original color despite exposure to external factors such as light, washing, and other environmental conditions. Each fabric undergoes this test before passing the quality test and finalizing it to send to market for commercial use.
There are different benefits to achieving these test results, such as superior quality tests, color durability, aesthetic appeal, reduced costs, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance to qualify the company’s manufacturing standards.
There is a detailed process of manufacturing the product, and then, come to the color fastness section. Therefore, this article will cover the different aspects and stages of test color fastness to thoroughly understand how the fabrics pass the examination. So, without any further ado. Let’s get straight into it.
A step-by-step guide to understanding colorfastness test in the textile industry.
These steps are followed religiously in manufacturing units to rest assure the standards and comply with safety standards.
Sample preparation: The very first step is ready the fabric samples by cutting them into uniform pieces of the required size and shape. Once the entire section of samples is prepared for the test, they are inspected for defects.
Different assemblies perform this task and remove all the defective pieces aside. These fabrics mostly contain stains, holes, and discoloration, potentially affecting the test color fastness. The rest of the fine clothes are forward towards the machine.
Test conditions: Now, this is another section; the test conditions for each type of colorfastness test are pre-determined, such as the ideal temperature, humidity, exposure time, and type of test apparatus.
These considerations matter a lot; each fabric demands separate test settings to inspect them completely. These conditions are standardized to ensure accurate and reliable results. Now, the testing conditions are set and start its operation.
Lightfastness testing: After implementing the test settings. The samples are uncovered to a light source reproducing natural sunlight using the Xenon Arc lamp. The exposure time and intensity of the light are controlled to verify uniform and consistent results. Using a standard color chart, the samples are then assessed for a color change test.
Washing and rubbing fastness testing: When the lighting test has been performed, the following test to perform is the fabric standard washing fastness test, which simulates the effects of repeated use. The main goal of a washing fastness test under the tester machine is to figure out the dyed and printed fabric’s color-retaining characteristics.
In this test, firstly, the piece of cloth is washed multiple times with a detergent solution, and then compare the washed sample’s color to an unwashed sample. The degree of color change is analyzed by applying the color charts, such as Grey Scales and Blue Wool Scales. Different ISO standards are also taken care of while the process to guarantee optimal results.
Perspiration testing: The next section is related to the perspiration test, which is again a valuable test to test the fabrics’ resistance against human sweating.
At first, the sample fabric is placed in contact with a solution that creates human perspiration, usually for a stipulated period. This test is run chiefly on athletic wear and undergarments to be used for more extended periods without compromising on appearance and stuff quality.
Dry cleaning testing: In the second last test, the fabric faces the dry cleaning machines like the washing fastness test. This test is vital for evaluating the colorfastness of clothing and other textile products that are typically dry-cleaned, such as suits, dresses, and upholstery.
To perform the test, the cloth is subjected to a dry cleaning tester to test the fabric with different immersions in a solvent, agitation, and drying. This step takes time to calculate the samples’ durability score.
Sublimation fastness testing: Finally, this is the last test the sample has to pass before getting a quality check mark and being ready to dispatch. In this test, the samples are exposed to high temperatures and pressure to produce heat exposure.
Sublimation testing involves different methods such as rubbing, heat, and cricking methods to calculate the quality assurance figures. Sublimation fastness testing is essential for textile, printing, and manufacturing tests where durability and longevity of color are the priority.
Analysis report: At the end of the test. The fabric receives a rating. Now, the rating is mainly based on how many tests the sample passed successfully and the percentage. After calculating all the data, the rating is allotted to the samples, and proceed further steps.
What ISO standards are colorfastness?
There are several ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards related to colorfastness testing, including:
ISO 105-B02:2014 – Colorfastness to artificial light: Xenon arc fading lamp test
ISO 105-C06:2010 – Colorfastness to domestic and commercial laundering.
ISO 105-X12:2016 – Colorfastness to rubbing: Crockmeter method
ISO 105-E04:2013 – Colorfastness to perspiration
ISO 105-D01:2010 – Colorfastness to dry cleaning: Perchloroethylene solvent
ISO 105-A05:2018 – Instrumental assessment of change in color for determination of grey scale rating
What is the standard washing temperature?
The standard washing temperature for colorfastness testing depends on the specific ISO standard and the tested fabric type.
For instance, ISO 105-C06, the standard for colorfastness to domestic and commercial laundering, recommends a temperature of 60°C for cotton.
Tips to avoid common mistakes during colorfastness tests.
Certify that the fabric samples are adequately prepared and defects-free before testing.
Follow the appropriate ISO standard for the specific test.
Maintain consistent test conditions, including temperature, humidity, exposure time, and apparatus.
Use the right equipment and materials, such as standardized washing machines, rubbing machines, and perspiration solutions.
Keep detailed records of all test parameters and results.
Test multiple samples of each fabric to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results.
Be aware of potential interactions between the fabric and testing materials, like detergents and solvents.
